Dear Readers:
Today, January 30, 2021, I have
the pleasure of interviewing one of the characters, Sheriff Christian Ballard,
in my mystery series Mirror Image, The Centrehope Murder Mysteries.
Available on Amazon, B&N, Apple, Kobo, Smashwords. Print copies are
available on IngramSpark.
Sheriff Ballard has agreed to
take questions from readers and will respond promptly. Leave your comments in
the comment section.
L.E. Gortman - First, Sheriff Ballard, I would like to
thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to have a sit down with me.
It appears that the good citizens of Centrehope are keeping you on your toes.
Sheriff Ballard - Please, call me Christian *inserts
chuckle*. I appreciate you having me. Yes, Centrehope has changed. For better
or worse remains to be seen. Right, now the verdict is out on that one.
L.E. Gortman - How long have you lived in Centrehope?
Sheriff Ballard – I have lived in Centrehope for the
better part of my life. I moved away after High School before returning and
then being elected as the town’s sheriff.
L.E. Gortman - Where did you go when you left
Centrehope?
Sheriff Ballard - Here and there. I started in Florida
and... as I said here and there.
L.E. Gortman - Can you elaborate a little?
Sheriff Ballard - I did *insert chuckle* I mean, I went
to the University of Florida on a scholarship for sports as well as academics.
I stopped playing sports and focused on academics, and moved on from there.
L.E. Gortman – For real? *eye lift*
Sheriff Ballard - You sound surprised, he chuckled.
L.E. Gortman – That is because I am, but I’ll come
back to that. Right now, I am sure viewers would like to know something about
the recent murders in Centrehope.
What is it you’re anxious about
when it comes to this murder investigation?
Sheriff Ballard - *Gives her a blank stare.* The fact
that there were murders is enough.
L.E. Gortman - Are these murders connected to one
another in any way?
Sheriff Ballard - I am not sure yet. It’s an ongoing investigation.
L.E. Gortman - There seems to be some animosity
between you and the mayor...uh...Mayor Colby Dean, I believe. What’s that all
about?
Sheriff Ballard – That’s not true at all. Everyone is on
edge. Centrehope is a small city that has never had this much action. There are
bound to be deferring opinions.
L.E. Gortman – Fair enough. Moving on. Let’s talk
about Addison Holloway...
Sheriff Ballard - Let’s not. He cut in sharply.
L.E. Gortman - It appears as though I have hit a sore
spot with that one. What is it about Ms. Holloway that has you on edge?
Sheriff Ballard - Nothing at all. I don’t like to speak
ill... it’s just not something that I can...let me put it a better way. There
are some things I am not at liberty to discuss. It has nothing to do with
anything personal against Addis...Ms. Holloway. As I stated earlier, the
investigation is ongoing.
L.E. Gortman – So, are you saying that you charged the
wrong person? Also, it is rumored that you and Ms. Holloway have dated.
Sheriff Ballard - It means that it’s still under
investigation. As you know, there have been several incidents. There was also a
rumor that I was dead. As you can see, I am very much alive. That’s why they
are called “rumors.” There usually isn’t any truth to them. I deal in facts.
L.E. Gortman – By your comment, I take it there are
several players in this? Am I correct? The papers printed that you already have
a confession, so the next logical belief is that you’re searching for another
person or persons.
Sheriff Ballard - That would be logical, yes *insert strained
chuckle* However, we have to go where the evidence takes us. We will see.
L.E. Gortman - Do you believe the investigation should
be wrapping up soon?
Sheriff Ballard - I sure hope so. The residents of
Centrehope, as well as myself, are looking forward to a sense of normality.
There has been a little too much action lately, and not the right kind.
L.E. Gortman - Fair enough. Your Deputy Sheriff
appears to be just as tenacious as you are. What’s his name...uh, Jarrett
Faulkner?
Sheriff Ballard – Yes. Jarrett is good at his job, and he
also happens to be a close friend of mine. The fact that we work together makes
it easier to get the job done.
L.E. Gortman - I hear he’s a lady’s man.
Sheriff Ballard - I can’t speak on that. You are going to
have to ask Jarrett about that.
L.E. Gortman - I know the ladies are dying to know
this. Is there anyone special in your life? A lady friend, fiancé, girlfriend,
and or boyfriend?
Sheriff Ballard - *Nervous chuckle* None of the above. As
you can see, I haven’t had time for anything of much lately. I have been kept
busy.
L.E. Gortman - Well, you know the saying “all work and
no play makes the Sheriff...”
Sheriff Ballard - Busy
L.E. Gortman - *holds up hands* I get it. *chuckling*
I had to ask the question. Christian, you have had a grueling few months, to
say the least. How are you feeling?
Sheriff Ballard – I am getting better every day.
L.E. Gortman - That is good to hear. It is definitely
good news. Thank you, Christian, for taking the time to have a sit down with
me. I hope you will return once this pesky business is resolved. Just don’t go
getting shot, Sheriff.
Sheriff Ballard - I have no intention of being injured.
It was my pleasure. Thanks for having me.
L.E. Gortman - That’s a wrap, folks. Send in those
questions for the Sheriff. Until the next episode. Stay safe, people of
Centrehope.
~L.E. Gortman
