Requisite Evil
A Discussion on One of My Works
In this article I’m going to discuss one of my books, Requisite Evil. It is an idea I’ve floated for a while, but was always afraid I couldn’t pull it off without revealing too much detail. Well, I’ve since gotten over my hesitation and what follows is what I’ll call an expanded synopsis. Let’s start by setting the stage.
The Setting:
The story takes place in Chisholm, Minnesota, a city which lies amid the Mesabi iron range. I came across this city while searching for a location for the opening scene that would set the tone for the entire story. Knowing that a secluded wooded area was required, I began my search and within minutes, I came across Chisholm and I was like, “Holy eureka batman. I think I’ve found it.” I’ve never been to Chisholm, but looking at the picture made me feel as if I was standing right in front of it. It was perfect.
The story revolves around a gruesome murder that took place inside a makeshift cabin in the woods. Police bungled the initial investigation, as people who should not have been at the crime scene trampled crucial evidence. The lead detective, who had recently retired from an illustrious career in law enforcement, tried to get things under control, but the case had already overwhelmed everyone involved. The investigation went downhill fairly quickly. But things would soon look better, as his white knight would soon appear to save the day.
Unfortunately, the meaning of the word “better” didn’t necessarily mean what everyone thought it did.
Requisite Evil ~ by K.R. Eaton
One | The Characters
There are four main characters to the story, all working together (sort of) to solve the mystery surrounding the murder of the first victim.
Dick Dantes: Lead Detective
Dick was the seasoned professional everyone looked to for guidance in solving the case. He had been a cop for years on some tough turf out in California. He found Chisholm, fell in love with the city, its residents, and called it home after retirement. Everyone knew and loved Dick.
Steve Meadows: Dick’s rookie partner
Steve was the young cocky up and comer who was eager to prove himself. He was a hothead and had a shoot first and ask questions later attitude. The precinct captain assigned Steve to Dick for training, and to correct that way of thinking. Steve was naturally cautious around people he didn’t know and trusted very few besides his new partner, Dick.
Betsy Snelling: FBI Agent
A young beauty that was a bit too affectionate for her own good. She allowed a relationship with Dick to get totally out of control. She was hot, damn hot, and no one could believe she chose the old fart Dick to hitch her wagon to. But she did, and it led to obvious issues, both professional and personal.
Note: It was so obvious when they met that a relationship would form, I saw no need to try and hide it here.
Scott Henney: A lackey
Scott spent his entire life being everyone’s punching bag. He was a bit challenged mentally and spent many years in and out of places of incarceration. Scott should not have been in the area at all, but he thought he’d be cute and play a game with an old adversary. That adversary didn’t see the cuteness, and, as a result, he became an unwilling central figure in the story.
So who’s the protagonist, antagonist, you ask? Not so fast, my friends. We’re just getting started.
two | The Plot
A young woman was brutally tortured and then murdered in an old shack in a remote area of woods on the outskirts of town. The news was a shocker and the local police force was ill-equipped to handle a case of such magnitude.
Everyone assumed it was a random act of senseless violence. But as the investigation got underway, it quickly became clear that the initial assessment was dead wrong. Dick Dantes, the lead detective, was the most experienced member of the team, but even he had never worked on a case so complicated.
Betsy Snelling, a decorated FBI Agent read about the story and offered her help. Dick jumped at the opportunity and welcomed her with open arms. Soon after she arrived, another murder occurred. It was obvious the same killer was to blame, but in a twist, he left a note for Dick telling him not to trust his new friend Betsy. Things got weird after that.
So here’s where I couldn’t resist introducing a little spice. As I’ve mentioned in other articles, I’m a pantser. Nothing in my writing world is pre-planned. I had an older detective that wasn’t a stranger to dealing with sick predators, and a young unattached beauty who basically threw herself into his investigation. It seemed natural to bring them together socially. So I did. And it had an effect even I didn’t see coming.
three | The Twist
After the second murder, Dick Dantes, who I can now say is the protagonist, is pulling his hair out, trying to figure out who the killer could be and if he chose his victims randomly. Steve was eager to prove his mettle and wanted to take a more aggressive approach to finding the killer. He didn’t necessarily dislike Betsy, but he didn’t trust her nearly as much as Dick did. Tension ensued as a third victim appeared.
The killer got more aggressive in his messaging with Dick. It appeared they were old buddies and Betsy showed signs of suspicion. To Steve’s delight, it strained their budding relationship. He thought she’s much closer to his age and didn’t hide the fact that he wanted her to be with him. It got worse later.
Things took a weird turn towards the paranormal and the twists began a-flowin’. It turned out the killer was susceptible to mind control and, unfortunately, extreme pain was his tormentor’s preferred method of control. Someone on the team was not who they said they were, and the killer knew exactly who it was. His messages to Dick were actually warning signs with clues, but Dick was a bit too simple to understand them. Or was he simply ignoring them? Was the killer actually taunting him?
four | The Backstory
Steve suspected the first victim may not have been random. He also suspected Betsy may have known more about the case than she admitted. One thing she could no longe deny, however, was that she and the suspect, Scott Henney, had some history. Steve foolishly confronted her about it by trying to play tough guy. It did not go well.
The backstory was introduced in chapter seven. It only skimmed the surface and left the reader with just enough info to think, “Hey! I think I got it.” But no, you don’t. Not yet. I introduced a new character and laid little strategic clue bombs that suggests there may be a sequel. I’m not saying there will be, but I’m not saying there won’t be.
five | The Capture
Dick and team finally catch a break in the case and captured the suspect. With him safely behind bars, they thought the case was over. But, of course, it wasn’t, not by a long shot. Betsy started acting weird and Steve no longer hid from Dick his suspicions about her. His instinct suggested that Scott had some inside help, and he felt more confident than ever that help came from Betsy. Was he wrong? Maybe.
The suspect, Scott Henney, was not a well man. He was small, weak, not the least bit intimidating, and the team openly questioned how he could subdue his victims. The paranormal part of the story comes into undeniable focus, and the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place. Henney was being controlled (victimized actually) by an entity, and who or whatever it was almost had to be part of Dick’s team.
I write mostly during the early morning hours. That’s when my thoughts are the most fluid. And on a sort of creepy Saturday morning, I had some thoughts on how to wrap up the story. At that point, the reader would surely think they knew who on the team was the imposter. I used this to present a scene which gave the reader reason to doubt their assessment, as I put the story on yet another path to conclusion.
six | The Truth
The ending of the story was painful to write. I remember thinking, “You’re such an asshole, this is so messed up.” But it was truly the only way to end things and leave the reader wondering how or would I correct the wrong in a sequel.
I think it’s a good read but, of course, I’m biased. I hope you grab a copy and enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Thanks,
K. R.
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