Who's Peter Leopold (eBook)

Dean Lambros (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2025 | 1. Auflage
336 Seiten
Bookbaby (Verlag)
9798350992472 (ISBN)

Infos

Travis Leopold, grandson of war hero Peter Leopold, uncovers a hidden mafia connection in his grandfather's past. As an actor, Travis pioneers 'Fact-Acting,' merging truth and performance. Operating as Freddy Dodge, a mob collector, he orchestrates controlled chaos in the town of Misty Glen, revealing a town's secret criminal underbelly. Balancing wealth and duality, Travis navigates the blurred lines of identity and reality, immersing himself in the unpredictable world of organized crime in a riveting exploration of truth and performance.

Dean Lambros was born and raised in a small town. His early years were marked by the close-knit community and simple lifestyle that often define such places, but his aspirations and curiosity soon led him to explore the broader horizons of America's big cities. Over the years, Dean resided in several metropolitan areas, each offering its unique blend of opportunities and experiences. He has called Phoenix, Arizona his home for the past thirty years. His professional journey took root in photography. As a corporate executive, his ability to see and convey the beauty in everyday life garnered him significant recognition in his field. He transitioned from executive to business owner, partnering with one of his sons, to blend his professional expertise with an entrepreneurial spirit. Upon retiring, Dean found a new avenue for his creativity and introspection: writing. What began as a therapeutic exercise quickly revealed Dean's innate talent for storytelling. He discovered that he had a natural ability to weave narratives that captivate and engage readers. Dean has penned his first novel, showcasing his unique voice and imaginative prowess.

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Near the serene haven of Misty Glen, two men named Peter Leopold reside, each leading vastly different lives. Farmer Peter, a revered WWII veteran, tends to his family's farm with unwavering dedication. The other Peter Leopold, a former city dweller entangled in organized crime, seeks redemption in the tranquility of rural life. Their paths unknowingly intersect through Farmer Peter's grandson, Travis, a budding actor fascinated by history and vintage culture. As Travis embarks on his own journey, he becomes entangled in a narrative that sheds light on the unexpected connections between past and present, rural and urban, virtue and vice. Travis, known as T, and his beloved Connie, known as Poo, concoct a daring plan in New York City. Inspired by T's research into the mysterious mobster Peter Leopold, they decide to infiltrate the unsuspecting town of Misty Glen, adopting new identities and meticulously crafting their characters. Immersing themselves in their roles, they prepare for their most audacious performance to uncover the secrets of Misty Glen. Under the guise of Freddy Dodge, T ventures into Misty Glen, his presence stirring curiosity and concern among the town's residents. He maneuvers discreetly, observing the town's conservative facade and hidden undercurrents. With determination, he strikes a deal with Sheriff Charlie Tritt, securing the Leopold group's foothold in Misty Glen. In Misty Glen's underground chambers, a small council led by mastermind Richard Wadley manages the town's affairs, discussing pivotal matters and navigating power dynamics. Meanwhile, T uncovers secrets buried within the town's history, revealing the Misty Glen Preservation Society's control over the surrounding forest and its covert dealings. As tensions rise in Misty Glen, Freddy and Nico navigate a delicate dance of alliances and confrontations, strategizing their next moves while guarding their own secrets. In a high-stakes poker game, they introduce a new game, 2/22, as part of their plan to reclaim what was stolen. With their adrenaline-fueled escapade unfolding seamlessly, Freddy, Nico, and Milt infiltrate the casino, probing deeper into its secrets and vulnerabilities. They lay the groundwork for future triumphs while unraveling the council's intricate schemes.

Textauszug

Chapter One

In the quiet town of Misty Glen, where the sun always seemed to shine a little brighter, and the breeze always carried a gentle, soothing melody, there would be a man named Peter Leopold, and not far from Misty Glen, a second Peter Leopold resided. The two men shared a name but not a bloodline. One was Farmer Peter Leopold, a rugged soul whose roots were deeply entwined with the fertile soil of his family’s farm in upper state New York. The other was Peter Leopold of New York City, a man who had emerged from the shadows of the city’s unforgiving streets. Their paths would never cross, for they hailed from different worlds, but their stories would eventually intersect on a stage that neither of them had ever imagined.

Farmer Peter, or “Pappa Peter,” as he was affectionately known, was a World War II veteran who earned the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary acts of bravery. Nobody could ever get Pappa to say how old or young he was when he joined up. He had fought in some of the fiercest battles toward the end of the war. He dedicated his life to his farm, nurturing the land with the same love and dedication he had shown to his country during the war. Now, in the twilight of his years, he lived in quiet retirement, surrounded by the familiar landscapes of his youth.

Meanwhile, in the heart of New York City, a much different Peter Leopold had walked a vastly different path. He was also a soldier during WW II, but a man knotted in the dangerous web of organized crime. He had left behind the vices and crimes of the big city, his version of retirement, and applied his unique skills to the unsuspecting small towns of America.

It was Farmer Peter’s grandson, Travis Leopold, who had grown up hearing his Pappa’s stories of heroism and virtue. Travis, who preferred to go by “T,” had recently completed his acting education, determined to work the bright lights of the stage where he could make a name for himself. Travis, a young man in his twenties, possessed an insatiable curiosity about history, with American history being his favorite. Yet, it wasn’t just history that captivated him; he had an ardent passion for everything vintage, from classic cars and trucks to clothing, lifestyle, and even love. Travis often found himself yearning for a different era, and, like many people, he sometimes felt as if he had been born at the wrong time.

Tragedy struck early in Travis’s life when his parents were killed in a car accident. During his formative years, he was raised first by his aunt and then by his beloved grandfather, Pappa Peter. Growing up on a farm in upstate New York, Travis developed a deep admiration for Pappa Peter, who, in his eyes, epitomized the essence of a bygone era. To Travis, his grandfather was the embodiment of a vintage man, and he held Pappa Peter in the highest regard.

As a result of this upbringing and his close bond with his grandfather, Travis adopted an old soul’s perspective on life. He saw the world through a unique lens, marked by a blend of sarcasm and humor. Travis had an uncanny ability to find humor in nearly any situation or person, no matter how dire or severe. His irreverent and lighthearted outlook on life inspired him to express himself creatively, and he found his passion in acting. His journey began with school and church plays, eventually leading him to one of New York City’s most prestigious acting schools, where he honed his craft. Travis possessed an impressive stature, standing at a striking 6 feet 2 inches. His build was a harmonious blend of impressive muscle definition and a lean, sleek frame. When he strolled, there was a captivating grace to his gait, reminiscent of Henry Fonda’s distinctive stride, though naturally infused with his style.

His crowning glory was his jet-black hair, maintained in a fashion indicative of the men of the 1940s. The haircut exuded an air of timeless sophistication. Travis had an arresting jawline, a feature that added to his overall allure, and his eyes were genuinely mesmerizing—a brilliant shade of piercing green that seemed to hold secrets and untold stories.

Travis had the unique ability to carry himself with an air of maturity and wisdom beyond his years, giving him the appearance of someone older and more experienced than his age suggested.

Once upon a time, during an audition for an off, off-Broadway play, T had a serendipitous encounter with Connie Corbett that would forever change his life. Connie, a talented makeup artist working her magic on the production, captured T’s heart the moment he laid eyes on her. Her beauty left him utterly mesmerized.

Connie was a vision of grace. A slender young woman in her twenties, her dark hair cascading like a silken waterfall down her back, her angelic face possessed a softness and radiance that could rival the heavens. Though she stood at a petite 5 feet 4 inches, her legs seemed to stretch on for an eternity, and her eyes were a gentle, warm shade of brown that held a world of stories within.

From the very moment they met, their connection was instantaneous. T’s playful antics and Connie’s infectious laughter forged a bond that felt as if it were made in paradise. As she artfully applied makeup to his face, he would return the gesture with comical expressions, and in each other, they discovered a perfect match. Their chemistry was undeniable, a love story waiting to unfold.

Connie, a woman of intriguing mystery, kept her diverse background a closely guarded secret, sharing little about her past with those around her. She would often deflect any questions about her personal history with a gentle smile, leaving much to the imagination. The only tidbit she ever revealed was that her parents had tragically passed away when she was just a teenager, leaving her to navigate the challenges of life within the foster care system.

It was early on in her life that Connie discovered her profound love for makeup artistry, a passion that would guide her into the world of theater and film. To embark on her journey, she enrolled at the prestigious Makeup Academy of NYC, eager to hone her skills. Her relentless pursuit of excellence was evident in her decision to register for an advanced class focused on the sophisticated art of Special Effects Makeup.

As time passed, the relationship between T and Connie blossomed into a deep, affectionate connection. They became a loving couple, embarking on the exciting journey of finding an apartment together. It was a memorable Halloween night when they signed the lease for their new residence. As they stepped into their cozy haven, T couldn’t resist the opportunity for a playful jest. He exclaimed, “Boo!” Connie, with her own brand of humor, responded with a playful twist, “Did you just say ‘poo’?” T, always quick on his feet, smiled and decided to embrace the endearing nickname. “I did,” he chuckled, “It’s my special name for you, and it’s here to stay.” Thus, “Poo” became a term of affection that would forever symbolize their unique bond.

T and Connie had been together for over two years, and T was looking for work. Between auditions, he told Connie he was going to delve into researching his family history. He told her that he had accidentally stumbled upon another Peter Leopold, a mobster who had recently passed away, and he wanted to learn a little more.

The New York City skyline glittered in the distance as the small apartment that “T” and his girlfriend, Connie, affectionately called “Poo,” became a sanctuary for their dreams and schemes. The apartment, or dwelling, as T lovingly referred to it, was a cozy and compact space, typical for the city where spacious living quarters were a luxury reserved for the financially well-off. Despite its size, their apartment was home to them, adorned with a familiar scent of aromatic candles and fabric fresheners that gave it a warm and comfortable atmosphere.

One distinctive feature of their living space was the oversized, inviting brown couch, Poo’s special place. When you sat on it, you felt like you were enveloped in comfort as it seemed to swallow you whole. Poo kept a big, cozy blanket on the couch, so when she curled up with her feet tucked underneath her, sipping tea, or coffee, she was cocooned in coziness.

Their apartment boasted hardwood floors, so they typically wore socks while moving around. The space had a modest collection of artworks, mainly inexpensive pieces they had purchased from various places. Books were strewn across the coffee table, covering subjects ranging from makeup techniques to old cinema methods and acting methods.

During the evening, they preferred to keep the lighting subdued, allowing them to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the city lights through their one large window. The apartment included a small kitchen area with a small dining table nearby, positioned to the left of the window. You could take two small steps down into the living area, just spacious enough to accommodate the oversized couch and coffee table.

To the right of the living area was a small door leading to their bedroom, where they slept, got ready in the mornings, and shared a bathroom and closet. It was a tight space but full of warmth and memories, truly cherished by T and Poo.

T had immersed himself in a sea of research, poring over documents and articles, all in the pursuit of unraveling the puzzling tale of the two Peter Leopolds. The revelation that these two men shared a name but not blood sent a shiver down his spine, awakening a historic curiosity he couldn’t quell.

Seated at the cluttered dining...

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 13.2.2025
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Krimi / Thriller / Horror
• ISBN-13: 9798350992472 / 9798350992472